Thread: Irritation / Technique / Razor Sharpness

Thanks for the advice. I will attempt some more in-depth stropping. As mentioned before it is also possible that a sub par stropping technique could have caused some issues. I'll keep you guys up to date!

Update:

Per the advice I slowed down a lot. I took a lot more time stropping, did some extra stropping to hopefully work out any issues I caused, built a better lather, and took a hot shower. Also, I only did a WTG and XTG pass. There was no irritation whatsoever. The shave is a CCS.

I am used to a little more closeness from my cartridge shaver, but it also gave me awful tugging, pain, and ingrown hairs. This shave was purely enjoyable with no pain. I haven't had that in years. I am sure closeness will come with more experience. I really appreciate the advice. Shaving is much more fun and comfortable with a straight as I learn the technique. I'm really glad I tried this.

Thanks again!
Andy

Andy,
As time goes by your technique will improve without even realizing it. Keep up the good work.

Bit late but Hi and welcome. Just remember comfort over closeness to start. The shaves will get closer as you go.

Another update:

I spent a week doing no ATG. Even though I know I should wait longer and get more experience, I didn't :-) ... but I actually ended up with another great shave. It was somewhere between a DFS and a BBS.

I think all of the advice offered on this thread was very helpful in improving my technique. Also, I think a week off was a help too. For now, I think I can enjoy an ATG shave once in a rare while. Once I get more experience, maybe I can do it more. For now, though, this is very encouraging!

Just did a one pass shave this morning with about three weeks of straight experience, and honestly, was better than a one-pass shave with a cartridge . . . Didn't have time for the full experience, but technique is improving enough that I have a decent shave with 5 minutes of work . . . I'll take it.

Keep heading on it and you'll get better every day!